Growing up in a totalitarian country like Czechoslovakia during the Soviet occupation had profound psychological effects on individuals, particularly in terms of trust and relationships. The pervasive atmosphere of fear and distrust was a direct result of the indoctrination that children received from an early age. They were taught that their true family was the Communist Party, and that all other relationships, including those with their parents, friends, and colleagues, were disposable and suspect.

This indoctrination was reinforced through the practice of reporting any oppositional thoughts or actions to the authorities. Children were encouraged to turn in their friends, family members, and even themselves if they heard or expressed any negative sentiments about the Soviet Union or the Communist Party. This created a climate of fear and suspicion, where no one felt safe and all relationships were constantly under threat.

One example of this indoctrination can be seen in the story of a young girl who was taught to report anyone who spoke ill of the Soviet Union. She was torn between her loyalty to her family and her duty to the Communist Party, ultimately choosing not to report her mother for fear of the consequences. This decision, however, left her feeling both powerful and powerless, as she realized the extent to which the totalitarian regime had invaded her thoughts and relationships.

The psychological effects of growing up in such an environment can be long-lasting and deeply ingrained. Trust and intimacy become difficult to establish, as individuals are conditioned to view others as potential threats rather than sources of support and love. This can lead to a lifetime of emotional and relational challenges, as the legacy of totalitarianism continues to shape the way people perceive and interact with the world around them.